Data center racks and structural framework for electronic equipment and non-electronic equipment

ABSTRACT

A storage system for mounting equipment includes a plurality of vertical structural side members positioned at corners of the storage system. A plurality of horizontal structural members is coupled to the plurality of vertical structural side members. Specifically, each of the horizontal structural members has a plurality of corners, and each corner of each horizontal structural member is coupled to one of the vertical structural side members. Each vertical structural side member is an extrusion having a length selected to accommodate a desired height in a facility in which the storage system is installed.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/549,074, filed on Nov. 20, 2014 which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 61/906,566, filed on Nov. 20, 2013,each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Thisapplication is also related to U.S. Pat. No. 9,185,975, which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to high-density shelving and equipmentstorage systems and equipment storage management and more particularlyto storing electronic and non-electronic equipment.

Discussion of Related Art

Datacenters are designed and constructed to optimize power and coolingrequirements for a plurality of electric components such as powersupplies, memory units, network appliances and servers. Since theirintroduction into datacenters, most of these electric devices have beenadapted to fit into rack mountable appliance chassis. Rack mountableelectric appliance chassis are typically constructed of steel sheetmetal which adds considerable weight and mass to the overall electriccomponent. In datacenters, the steel appliance chassis housing theelectric components are then mounted into standardized equipment racks.

In general, equipment racks are produced in standard sizes such as “fullheight” that are approximately six feet in height, or “half high” racksthat are approximately three feet in height. The equipment racks aredesigned to receive electronic appliances of variable height based upona standardized scale referred to as the “Rack Unit”, “RU” or “U”, a unitof measure equal to 1.75 inches (44.45 mm). Thus, a standard full height42U equipment rack could store forty-two 1U, or twenty-one 2U electroniccomponent appliance chassis. The 19″ rack mounting fixture includes twoparallel metal strips (commonly referred to as “posts”, “panel mounts”and “rack rails”) standing vertically. The posts are 0.625 inch (15.88mm) wide, and are separated by a distance of 17.75 inches (450.85 mm)for the mounting of the electronic equipment chassis, thus providing afront plane appliance attachment width of 19 inches (482.6 mm) andeffectively limiting the maximum width of equipment to 17.75″ (450.85mm) with a minimum height of 1 U or 1.75 inches (44.45 mm).

Known initially as “relay racks,” equipment racks were adapted by thecomputer industry from 19-inch switching and signaling equipment racksoriginally introduced by the telecommunications and railroad industry inthe late 19th century. Equipment racks initially included two posts andare, therefore, commonly known as “two-post racks.” To accommodatelarger electronic components, two sets of racks were implemented tosupport the front and back of larger electronic equipment chassis andare referred to as “four-post racks.” Legacy datacenters were commonlyconstructed on a raised floor framework supporting 24″ square removablefloor tiles. Ultimately, four-post equipment racks were integrated intosteel box cabinets with a standardized width of 24″ (600-610 mm) thatalso aligns with the layout of raised floor tiles. Legacy equipmentracks are typically 800 mm or 1000 mm in depth though specific depthsvary from manufacturer to manufacturer. The industry standard four-postracks commonly found in datacenters today are typically enclosed in asteel cabinet and positioned in rows on 24-inch centers.

A difficulty of such a rack cabinet system is that the cabinet istypically shipped in assembled form with a significant cost of shippingat a fixed standard height to fit upright through the average door. Thislegacy equipment rack design effectively limits horizontal and verticalspace utilization in the datacenter. It requires each 17.75-inch-widestack of equipment chassis to occupy a 24-inch width of horizontal floorspace, and limits vertical space utilization to the height of the staticequipment rack design, not the ceiling height or equipment densitypotential of the datacenter.

Many other difficulties exist within current rack cabinet architectures.Although the typical rack cabinet is made of a steel or aluminum boxframe construction for strength to handle the static loads of legacyrack mounted equipment, current design approaches add significant widthand mass to the front profile and footprint of the rack cabinet withoutaddressing the additional dynamic load requirements of modern highdensity equipment, specifically in potentially high-seismic-activitygeographic regions. The current design limitations not only affect thesize, but also the total mass of existing rack cabinet systems,significantly impacting material usage and floor space utilization whilefailing to meet the potential dynamic load requirements in seismicallyactive areas. Inversely, the current seismically engineered and ratedracks that are available to address modern dynamic load requirementsextend the mass and material usage of steel or aluminum box constructioneven further. This adds even more weight, mass and cost to the rackcabinet, without reducing the overall footprint, or increasing spaceutilization in the modern data center.

Though much has changed in computing and telecommunications equipmentover the past decades, there has been relatively little change inequipment rack design and to better address the densities andefficiencies of modern electronic components and how they are utilized.This not only affects the size, but also the total mass of existing rackcabinet systems, significantly impacting material usage and floor spaceutilization. As data centers adopt virtualization and cloud computing toachieve higher levels of efficiencies utilizing large arrays of densehomogeneous power-efficient equipment, the current art of rack cabinetequipment significantly limits more efficient datacenter designs as wellas the utilization of space in existing facilities.

SUMMARY

According to one aspect, a storage system for mounting equipment isprovided. The storage system includes a plurality of vertical structuralside members positioned at corners of the storage system. The storagesystem also includes a plurality of horizontal structural memberscoupled to the plurality of vertical structural side members, each ofthe horizontal structural members having a plurality of corners, eachcorner of each horizontal structural member being coupled to one of thevertical structural side members. Each vertical structural side memberis an extrusion having a length selected to accommodate a desired heightin a facility in which the storage system is installed.

In some exemplary embodiments, the equipment is electronic equipment. Insome exemplary embodiments, the storage system has a width of 480 mm to500 mm, and the equipment mounted in the storage system has a standardwidth of approximately 450 mm.

In some exemplary embodiments, the storage system comprises a pluralityof framework assemblies coupled together. In some exemplary embodiments,the plurality of framework assemblies are coupled together side-by-side.Each framework assembly can include four vertical structural sidemembers coupled to at least two horizontal structural members. Eachhorizontal structural member can include at least one modular couplinghole used in coupling the plurality of framework assemblies together.

In some exemplary embodiments, the storage system further comprises atleast one accessory coupled to the storage system. Each horizontalstructural member can include at least one structural accessory couplinghole used in coupling the accessory to the storage system.

In some exemplary embodiments, the accessory comprises a seismic adaptersubsystem for protecting the storage system from damage associated withseismic activity. The seismic adapter subsystem can be coupled to atleast one of the horizontal structural members. The seismic adaptersubsystem can include a plurality of seismic adapter bases coupled tothe storage system. The seismic adapter subsystem can include at leastone seismic adapter brace coupled to a pair of seismic adapter bases.The pair of seismic adapter bases can be coupled to a respective pair offramework assemblies which are coupled together in the storage system,such that the at least one seismic adapter brace extends from one of thepair of framework assemblies to the other of the pair of frameworkassemblies. Each framework assembly can include four vertical structuralside members coupled to at least two horizontal structural members. Theplurality of framework assemblies can be coupled together side-by-side.Each horizontal structural member can include at least one modularcoupling hole used in coupling the plurality of framework assembliestogether.

In some exemplary embodiments, the seismic adapter subsystem comprisesat least one seismic adapter plate coupled to the storage system.

In some exemplary embodiments, each horizontal structural memberincludes a plurality of module coupling holes used in aligning andcoupling the horizontal structural member to a vertical structural sidemember.

In some exemplary embodiments, each horizontal structural memberincludes a mounting feature such that at least one of a top plane andbottom plane of a first framework assembly can be coupled to at leastone of a top plane and bottom plane of a second framework assembly, suchthat the first and second framework assemblies are stacked in thesystem.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other features and advantages will be apparent fromthe more particular description of preferred aspects, as illustrated inthe accompanying drawings in which like reference characters refer tothe same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are notnecessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustratingthe principles of the disclosure.

FIG. 1 includes a schematic perspective view of a building-block rackframework assembly, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C include a schematic perspective view, a schematicfront view, and a schematic side view, respectively, of a building-blockrack framework assembly, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 2D includes a schematic perspective view of two building-block rackframework assemblies stacked and coupled into a vertical column, inaccordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 3A includes a schematic cross-sectional view of an extrudedvertical structural side member of a rack framework assembly, takenalong line 3A-3A of FIG. 3B or line 3A-3A of FIG. 3C, in accordance withsome embodiments.

FIG. 3B includes a schematic perspective view of an extruded verticalstructural side member of a rack framework assembly, as illustrated inFIG. 3A, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 3C includes a schematic perspective view of an extruded verticalstructural side member of a rack framework assembly, as illustrated inFIG. 3A, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 4A includes a schematic perspective view of a horizontal structuralmember of a rack framework assembly, in accordance with someembodiments.

FIG. 4B includes a schematic perspective exploded view of a horizontalstructural member of a rack framework assembly with optional fitments,in accordance with some embodiments.

FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C include schematic perspective views of a pluralityof coupled building block rack framework assemblies, in accordance withsome embodiments.

FIG. 6 includes a schematic perspective view of an exemplary 3Urack-mountable computer chassis to which the system of the disclosure isapplicable, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7C include a schematic perspective view, a schematicfront view, and a schematic side view, respectively, of a building-blockrack framework assembly populated with a plurality of 3 U exemplaryrack-mountable computer chassis, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 8 includes a schematic perspective view of two building-block rackframework assemblies stacked and coupled in a vertical column populatedwith a plurality of exemplary 3U rack mountable computer chassis, inaccordance with some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates to high-density shelving and equipmentstorage systems and equipment storage management. Specifically, thepresent disclosure is directed to a seismically engineered, structurallyintegrated, highly space-efficient building-block rack framework forstoring electronic and non-electronic equipment. The systems of thedisclosure can be mechanically interconnected and adapted for highlevels of dynamic load strength in a superior space efficient format.

In accordance with some embodiments, a modular building block rackframework comprises vertical structural side members, which can be madeby an extrusion process or other manufacturing process. The verticalstructural side members can be cut to length to efficiently optimize theavailable vertical ceiling height of a given facility in which thesystem is to be installed. The vertical structural side members areimplemented to withstand and transfer the vertical load of a pluralityof direct-mounted or rack-rail-mounted electronic or non-electronicequipment appliance chassis in a very space-efficient manner. In someexemplary embodiments, the vertical structural side members also maycontain a feature to receive self-tapping screws to enable directcoupling of electronic equipment chassis, thereby eliminating the needfor rack rails. In some exemplary embodiments, the vertical structuralside members are symmetrical, which results in only one part beingrequired for all orientations in a given assembly. This symmetry in thevertical structural side members further enhances the manufacturingefficiency of the overall building-block framework of the system of thedisclosure.

The modular building-block framework of the disclosure also comprises aplurality of horizontal structural members. The horizontal structuralmembers may include predetermined symmetrical mounting patterns on thetop and bottom planes of the horizontal structural members to enableefficient structural coupling when a plurality of building blockframeworks are optionally stacked, as described below in detail, and forefficient structural anchoring at the base when required. The horizontalstructural members may include predetermined symmetrical mountingpatterns on the side planes of the horizontal structural members thatenable the efficient coupling of the vertical structural side members,and for mounting a plurality of optional side-mounted fitments to thehorizontal structural member, and to couple a plurality of modularbuilding block frameworks together in a side-to-side manner.

The horizontal structural members may include predetermined symmetricalmounting patterns on the front and back planes of the horizontalstructural members that enable for the efficient coupling of a pluralityof optional fitments, such as, equipment chassis mounting rack rails,seismic anchoring brackets, and seismic bracing kits. In some exemplaryembodiments, the seismic bracing kits can be efficiently added in anincremental manner to meet the equipment weight and seismic requirementsof a given configuration weight, in a given geographic location. Aplurality of optional equipment mounting rails, shelf systems, wiremanagement systems, security doors and other features, which can be, forexample, formed sheet metal and/or fixtures which can be formed byextrusion, molding or other process, can also be attached to thepredetermined symmetrical mounting patterns to meet the individualrequirements of any given implementation.

According to some exemplary embodiments, a building-block rack frameworkcan optionally be shipped as individual components to an installationsite and assembled onsite in an efficient manner. The verticalstructural side members can optionally be precut to optimize the ceilingheight of an installation. Also, or alternatively, the verticalstructural side members can be cut to length onsite at the installation,and/or can be cut to order on a factory assembly line. The flexibilityof the system of the disclosure increases site optimization anddeployment configuration options while decreasing manufacturing costs.The building-block rack framework modules can also be pre-assembled andloaded with integrated electronic and non-electronic equipment at anoptimal height and weight, facilitating global multimodal shipping offully integrated equipment blocks that can then be stacked to a desiredheight at a given facility enabling greater manufacturing efficiency,shipping efficiency and implementation efficiency onsite. The resultanthigh-density building-block framework can be efficiently adapted tomaximize the optimal height and density for a given installationfacility. The framework can also be structurally adapted through the useof optional seismic bracing kits to meet the seismic requirements of aninstallation facility for a given geographic location. According toexemplary embodiments, the building-block framework module can besymmetrically configured to couple to other building-block frameworkmodules side-to-side on the same plane, and optionally stacked andcoupled in vertical columns with minimal mechanical effort.

FIG. 1 includes a schematic perspective view of a building-block rackframework assembly, in accordance with some embodiments. FIGS. 2A, 2Band 2C include a schematic perspective view, a schematic front view, anda schematic side view, respectively, of a building-block rack frameworkassembly, in accordance with some embodiments. Referring to FIGS. 1 and2A-2C, building-block rack framework assembly 100 is part of a systemfor storing electronic and/or non-electronic equipment in a highlyspace-efficient, structurally integrated manner. As shown, four verticalstructural side members 101 are coupled to a plurality of horizontalstructural members 102 by a plurality of fasteners at coupling junctions402 to form building block rack framework assembly 100. In someexemplary embodiments, vertical structural side members 101 can beformed by extrusion, thus increasing the efficiency and costeffectiveness of the manufacturing process. In some particularembodiments, vertical structural side members 101 can be extruded metal,such as extruded aluminum, or other similar material. In somealternative embodiments, vertical structural side members 101 can beformed by some other manufacturing process, such as stamping, molding orotherwise forming steel or carbon fiber or other similar material. Dueto the symmetrical implementation of vertical structural side members101, all vertical structural side members 101 utilize one common part inthe present embodiment. Similarly, due to the symmetrical design of thehorizontal structural members 102, all horizontal structural membersutilize one common part in the present embodiment. Therefore, verticalstructural side members 101 and horizontal structural members 102 areeconomical to manufacture, since they represent singular elements neededto implement all vertical structural side members, and all horizontalstructural members, respectively.

FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C include a schematic cross-sectional view and twoschematic perspective views, respectively, of an exemplary extrudedvertical structural side member 101 illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2A, 2B, and2C, according to some embodiments. Continuing to refer to FIGS. 1 and2A-2C, in some exemplary embodiments, vertical structural side members101 have a length which is selectable according to the desired height ofassembly 100 in the facility in which assembly 100 is installed. Forexample, in some embodiments, vertical structural side members 101 canbe cut to length to optimize the available vertical ceiling height of agiven facility. Vertical structural side members 101 are designed towithstand and transfer the vertical load of a plurality of rail or shelfmounted electronic or non-electronic equipment modules. As illustratedin the cross-sectional view of FIG. 3A, vertical structural side member101 may include a self-tapping screw receiver channel 305 formed in thefront and rear leading edges vertical structural side member 101 toenable optional direct attachment of computer chassis equipment andother optional fitments with the use of self-tapping screws. A pluralityof module coupling holes 310 and 320 on vertical structural side member101 may be used to align and couple vertical structural side member 101to horizontal structural member 102 to form modular building blockframework assembly 100.

In general, the present disclosure is applicable to a building-blockframework assembly 100 having any selected height, width and depth.However, in some particular exemplary embodiments as illustrated inFIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C, the height Y of each building-block rack frameworkmodule 100 is 1.5-meters, providing 30U of equipment storage that can bestacked and coupled to another 1.5-meter 30U assembly 100, asillustrated in FIG. 2D, for a system 250 having a total vertical heightof 3.0 meters and 60 U of equipment storage in each vertical column,with a width X of 480 mm to 500 mm in the present embodiment toaccommodate legacy 17.75″ equipment chassis, and a depth Z of 800 to1220 mm. According to some exemplary embodiments, adjustments can bemade in, for example, the width X and depth Z of horizontal structuralmember 102 to facilitate equipment designed for 23″ equipment chassis,or to attain any other equipment width or depth if mounting legacyequipment chassis is not required.

FIG. 4A includes a schematic perspective view of a horizontal structuralmember of a rack framework assembly, in accordance with someembodiments. FIG. 4B includes a schematic perspective exploded view of ahorizontal structural member of a rack framework assembly with optionalfitments, in accordance with some embodiments.

Referring to FIGS. 2A, 4A and 4B, horizontal structural members 102 mayinclude predetermined symmetrical mounting features 440 on the top andbottom plane of building-block framework assembly 100 to enableefficient structural coupling when a plurality of building blockframework assemblies 100 are optionally stacked, or for efficientstructural anchoring at the bottom or base of assembly 100 whenrequired. A plurality of module coupling holes 410 located insymmetrical patterns on the side planes of horizontal structural member102 may be used to align and couple vertical structural side member 101to horizontal structural member 102 to form modular building blockframework assembly 100. A plurality of side accessory coupling holes 430located in symmetrical patterns on the side planes of horizontalstructural member 102 may be used to efficiently attach optionalfitments, such as, for example, shelf rail kits. A plurality of frontand back structural accessory coupling holes 450 located in symmetricalpatterns on the front and back planes of horizontal structural member102 may be used to efficiently attach optional structural fitments, suchas, for example, seismic anchor plate 103 and seismic adapter kitbracket 104. A plurality of other optional fitments, such as, forexample, equipment mounting rails, wire management systems, securitydoors, power distribution and other formed sheet metal, extruded, moldedor otherwise-formed fixtures can also be attached to the predeterminedsymmetrical mounting patterns 451 to meet the individual requirements ofany given implementation. A plurality of module coupling holes 420located in symmetrical patterns on the side planes of horizontalstructural member 102 may be used to enable efficient coupling of aplurality of building block framework assemblies 100 in a side-to-sidemanner to form the structurally integrated framework system.

FIG. 2D includes a schematic perspective view of two building-block rackframework assemblies 100 stacked and coupled into a vertical columnsystem 250, in accordance with some exemplary embodiments. Referring toFIGS. 2A-2D, individual building-block rack framework assemblies 100 canbe stacked to increase equipment manufacturing efficiency, facilitateinternational multimodal shipping and accelerate onsite deployment, thuslowering cost throughout the entire supply chain. By utilizingpredetermined symmetrical mounting features 440 to vertically align andcouple building-block rack framework assembly 100 at the predeterminedsymmetrical mounting features 440, the vertically coupled building-blockrack framework assemblies 100 become one structurally integrated rackframework column 250.

FIG. 5A includes a schematic perspective view of a plurality ofbuilding-block rack framework assemblies 100 coupled into a rackframework system 300, in accordance with some embodiments. Referring toFIGS. 1, 2A-2C, 3A-3C, 4A, 4B and 5A, horizontal structural members 102transfer dynamic loads from vertical structural side members 101 throughthe interlocking framework of coupled building-block rack frameworkassemblies 100. The interlocking framework of coupled building-blockrack framework assemblies 100 illustrated in FIG. 5A is created bycoupling a plurality of modular building-block framework assemblies 100together at the coupling junctions 402 of each horizontal structuralmember 102. According to the exemplary embodiments, the binding of thecommon vertical structural side members 101 through the interlockinghorizontal structural members 102 allows for space-efficient narrowvertical structural side members 101 that recapture much of the spacelost in the width of traditional box-frame rack cabinet architectureswithout compromising dynamic seismic load capabilities. According to theembodiments, the efficient narrow structural vertical side member 101,structurally reinforced by the coupling junctions 402 of the horizontalstructural members 102, allows for modular building-block rack frameworkassemblies 100 as narrow as 480-500 mm that hold standard 450 mmrack-mountable chassis equipment. This represents a density increase ofover 20% when compared to standard 24-inch-wide equipment racks.Additional density increases of 2-30% can be achieved by extending thelength of vertical structural side members 101 to better optimizevertical free space in a datacenter. According to the exemplaryembodiments, these two aspects of the present disclosure used togethercan attain density increases in excess of 20-50% in the averagedatacenter over standard 42U, 24-inch-wide equipment racks.

FIGS. 5B and 5C include additional schematic perspective views ofbuilding-block rack framework assemblies 100 coupled into rack frameworksystems 400 and 500, respectively, with exemplary seismic adapter kitsinstalled. The seismic structural elements of building block frameworksystems 400 and 500 can be divided into at least two structurallycomplementary feature sets. As illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2C, for example,vertical structural side members 101, having a thin planar design, whencoupled to horizontal structural side members 102, make thebuilding-block rack framework 100 rigid on the Y and Z axes, whilemaintaining an exceptionally narrow footprint for the building-blockrack framework assembly 100 on the X axis. Seismic bracing kitsillustrated in FIGS. 5B and 5C can then be optionally mounted in aplurality of incremental orientations on the front and rear surfaces ofhorizontal structural side members 102, thereby stiffeningbuilding-block rack framework assembly 100 on the X and Y axes in ahighly space efficient manner, external to the electronic andnon-electronic equipment mass.

FIGS. 5B and 5C illustrate seismic adapter brackets 104 coupled tohorizontal structural side member 102. Two seismic adapter braces 105can be coupled to seismic adapter brackets 104 to meet the dynamic loadrequirements for a specific application and seismic region. FIG. 5Cillustrates an example of two seismic adapter kits with the addition ofthree seismic adapter brackets 104 coupled to horizontal structuralmembers 102, with two additional seismic adapter braces 106 coupled tothe additional set of seismic adapter brackets 104 to meet incrementallygreater dynamic load requirements and possible more stringent seismicrequirements for a geographic region with higher seismic activity.

FIG. 6 includes a schematic perspective view of an exemplary 3Urack-mountable computer chassis to which the system of the disclosure isapplicable, in accordance with some embodiments. Referring to FIG. 6, anexemplary 3U rack-mountable computer chassis 200 would conventionally beinstalled and integrated into a legacy 24″ computer rack after thecomputer rack was installed at the installation location. This istypically referred to as “rack and stack” in the data center industry.One disadvantage to such an approach is that the onsite integration islabor intensive and requires a plurality of specialized skillsets to beperformed onsite at an elevated cost to the end customer.

FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7C include a schematic perspective view, a schematicfront view, and a schematic side view, respectively, of a building-blockrack framework assembly 100 populated with a plurality of exemplary 3Urack-mountable computer chassis 200, in accordance with someembodiments. FIG. 8 includes a schematic perspective view of twobuilding-block rack framework assemblies 100 populated with a pluralityof exemplary 3U rack-mountable computer chassis 200, and stacked andcoupled into vertical building-block rack framework column 600.

Referring to FIGS. 7A-C and 8, integration of a plurality of equipmentchassis, such as the exemplary 3U rack-mountable computer chassis 200illustrated in FIG. 6, could optionally be performed onsite, oralternately in advance of delivery on a factory floor by themanufacturer, and then shipped to the installation location as a fullyintegrated unit. The advantage to the latter approach is thatinstallation, integration and even pre-configuration services can all beperformed prior to delivery at a much lower cost, then more costeffectively shipped to the final location in a much more modal shippingunit than a traditional 42U 24″rack. Then, the integrated building-blockrack framework assemblies 100 can be optionally anchored, stacked andcoupled to an optimal-height building-block rack framework column 600.This optional solution not only lowers the integration cost andfacilitates shipping, it also enables maximum utilization of verticalspace in the facility, e.g., datacenter. In some exemplary embodiments,a plurality of building-block rack framework column 600 can then becoupled side-to-side into structurally integrated, seismicallyreinforced rows as illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5C.

Due to the symmetrical design of the building-block rack frameworkassembly 100, such seismic adapter kits can be added to the front of theunit, back of the unit, or both. This creates a highly efficient seismicbracing approach that can be incrementally added to equipment rackframework assemblies 100 in a cost effective manner, without increasingthe spatial mass of the building block framework on the Z and Y axis.This enables equipment density increases in excess of 25-50%, whileincreasing dynamic load capacities 100-200% over standard 42U, 24″(609.6 mm) wide equipment racks.

In some exemplary embodiments, building-block rack framework assembly100 of the disclosure can be optionally preassembled and shipped to aninstallation location. Alternatively, individual components ofbuilding-block rack framework assembly 100 can be shipped to an assemblylocation or to an installation location, and then assembled at theassembly location or installation location. Side members can beoptionally precut in advance to optimize the ceiling height of aninstallation, or can be cut to length on location. A plurality ofoptional fitments including equipment mounting rails, shelf systems,wire management systems, security doors and other sheet metal, extrudedor molded fixtures can also be attached to meet the special requirementsof any given implementation.

According to some embodiments, a structurally integrated modular shelfframe equipment storage system can be built according to a user'sspecific needs that best utilize the capability of given facility. Thesystems, modules and methods described herein provide an efficientapproach to storing equipment and reducing infrastructure cost. Theflexibility and scalability of the structurally integrated modular shelfframe systems, modules and methods described herein satisfy those needs,as well as others.

For instance, in some embodiments, because the structurally integratedsystem is modular, building-block framework assemblies can be fullypre-populated with equipment and wire management, and then shipped to agiven location. There they can be modularly stacked and coupled withoutthe need for existing equipment rack infrastructure, or optionallymounted into existing equipment racks. Additionally, this modularityaids in the task of physically relocating equipment by eliminating theneed to remove individual components.

Although the present invention has been described in accordance with theembodiments shown, one of ordinary skill in the art will readilyrecognize that there could be variations to the embodiments and thosevariations would be within the spirit and scope of the presentinvention. For instance, the shelf frame modules described in detailabove could be coupled using another method or using alternativegeometric shapes to those described above, or the height and width ofthe members can vary depending on the user's needs. Also, although afinite number of high-density shelving and equipment storage systems aredescribed in connection with the embodiments, it is clear that anynumber or even one high-density shelving and equipment storage systemcould be utilized according to the disclosure. Accordingly, manymodifications may be made by one of ordinary skill in the art withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A configured seismic modular electronic equipmentstorage and shipping rack assembly for mounting and transportingelectronic equipment comprising: a plurality of building block rackframework assemblies, each building block rack framework assemblyfurther comprising: a plurality of vertical structural side members; aplurality of horizontal structural members coupled to the plurality ofvertical structural side members, each of the horizontal structuralmembers having a front face, a back face, a first side face and a secondside face, wherein the plurality of horizontal structural membersinclude a first horizontal structural member, and a second horizontalstructural member, and wherein a first vertical structural side memberis coupled to each of the horizontal structural members on respectivefirst side faces and positioned proximal to the front face, and a secondvertical structural side member is coupled to each of the horizontalstructural members on respective first side faces and positionedproximal to the back face, and a third vertical structural side memberis coupled to each of the horizontal structural members on respectivesecond side faces and positioned proximal to the back face, and a fourthvertical structural side member is coupled to each of the horizontalstructural members on respective second side faces and positionedproximal to the front face; a plurality of coupling junctions, eachcoupling; junction disposed at an intersection of a horizontal memberside face and a vertical structural side member; and at least oneintegrated electronic equipment disposed within at least one buildingblock rack framework assembly, wherein the building block rack frameworkassembly is configured to protect the at least one integrated electronicequipment during transportation, wherein each of the plurality ofassemblies is configured to be disposed adjacent to and attached toanother assembly via a plurality of fasteners attaching to the pluralityof coupling junctions, a first seismic adaptor bracket configured tomount to a first seismic anchor plate coupled to the front face of thefirst horizontal structural member of a first building block rackframework assembly between the first vertical structural side member andthe fourth vertical structural side member; a second seismic adaptorbracket configured to mount to a second seismic anchor plate coupled tothe front face of the second horizontal structural member of a secondbuilding block rack framework assembly between the first verticalstructural side member and the fourth vertical structural side member;and a seismic brace mounted to and spanning the first and second seismicadaptor brackets.
 2. The configured seismic modular electronic equipmentstorage and shipping rack assembly of claim 1, further comprising atleast one accessory or fitment coupled to the building block rackframework assembly.
 3. The configured seismic modular electronicequipment storage and shipping rack assembly of claim 2, wherein eachstructural member includes at least one accessory mounting hole used incoupling the accessory to the building block rack framework assembly. 4.The configured seismic modular electronic equipment storage and shippingrack assembly of claim 1, further comprising at least one integratedelectronic equipment chassis in the building block rack frameworkassembly.
 5. The configured seismic modular electronic equipment storageand shipping rack assembly of claim 1, comprising a plurality ofconfigured building block rack framework assemblies coupled togetherside-to-side and/or stacked and coupled vertically.